Rooted in Ag, Rising with Purdue
Name: Blake Buchanan
Hometown: Fowler, IN
Major & concentration: Agricultural Economics; Farm Management and Accounting minors
Why did you come to Purdue: Growing up so close to Purdue, it was always a part of my life growing up. My dad graduated from the CoA in ’97 and always knew Purdue would be a good place to end up. Along with that and a great ag program, it just made too much sense to go here!
Favorite Purdue tradition: The “Hail Purdue” tuba video at Mackey
Top three influences at Purdue:
- My family and friends
- Purdue NAMA
- Classmates within the CoA
- Traveling to Phoenix to watch Purdue in the 2024 Final Four
- Study Abroad Maymester
- Winning the IM championship in Mackey
- Football tailgates
- Purdue basketball games
Places you have been as a Purdue student:
- NAMA Competition (St. Louis and Kansas City)
- Portugal and Spain; Austria, Slovenia and Italy (Maymester Study Abroad)
- Chicago, IL (Internship with Farmer’s Keeper)
- Purdue Ag Council Industry Tour (North Carolina)
- AGR National Convention (Sacramento, CA)
Favorite club/organization: NAMA
Favorite student-led event/initiative: Ag Council Ice Cream Social
Favorite Purdue event: Boiler basketball in Mackey
Favorite place to study: Krannert 1st floor
Favorite thing about CoA: How close everyone is and makes such a big place feel small and like home!
Favorite class: AGEC 321
Favorite professor: Dr. James Mintert
Class you are excited to take your senior year: Wine Appreciation
Three biggest accomplishments at Purdue:
- Being part of the 1st place NAMA team in 2024
- Completed three internships (Beck’s Hybrids, Albertson Drone Service and Farmer’s Keeper)
- Put on AGR Founder’s Day in 2024
Something about you that is not listed on your resume: Purdue Presidential Scholar
Future plans: I will consider a career in the ag field; however, the end goal is to return to the family farm.
Advice for underclassmen: Don’t be afraid of trying new things. Purdue has something for everyone, and you never truly know if you will like something until you try it. I have met some incredible people in my time here through all the opportunities Purdue has given me!
The biggest takeaway from Purdue: It is important to make the most out of your time in college. The countless connections and experiences made here will last for a lifetime.
